In the 50s of the 20th century, the Belgian warm-blooded breed of horses was bred, which today is successfully used in sports and various shows. Belgium has long been famous for its heavy draft horse breeds, such as the Brabancon and the Belgian draft horse. Now this country also produces high-quality riding horses.
Belgian Warmblood
History of the Belgian Warmblood Horse
The breed was formed due to the neighborhood of Belgium with Germany, France and Holland – countries in which horse breeding has been developed for a long time, and great importance is attached to the quality of selection of horses for a tribe. In the 50s of the last century, Belgian breeders began to cross Dutch gelderland stallions with local mares. Their goal was to create a sporty type of horse for riding.
The experiment was not entirely successful – the crossbreeds had a beautiful exterior, but were too heavy. Their movements had low productivity, which caused agility to suffer. Such individuals were not suitable for use in professional sports. Further breeding work was aimed at improving the Belgian warm-blooded line. For this purpose, the blood of the following breeds of horses was added to her:
- Anglo-Arabic;
- English riding;
- Holstein;
- Dutch Warmblood.
The breeders managed to give lightness and athleticism to the exterior of the representatives of the new breed line. Belgian Warmblood horses have inherited high performance, strength and endurance from their ancestors.
Attention! Unlike other breeds used in sports, the Belgian Warmblood has a calm and balanced character. Animals easily find a common language with humans, quickly learn and do not show aggression.
Belgian breeders select individuals for breeding, strictly adhering to approved standards. Both mares and stallions should not only have good health and beautiful exterior, but also demonstrate good athletic qualities on the field. Individuals with a quick temper are not allowed for breeding.
Exterior Features
The Belgian Warmblood horse is harmoniously built. She inherited her athletic appearance from her European ancestors – English riding and Holsteins. Dark colors are common in this breed – bay or dark bay, black, gray. The presence of white spilled spots on the bridge of the nose and limbs does not contradict the standard.
Belgian Warmblood
External characteristics:
- height – 1,65–1,7 m;
- a medium-sized broad-browed head with a Roman profile, pointed compact ears and prominent cheeks;
- a short powerful neck smoothly passes into a massive deployed chest;
- forearms well muscled;
- the back is broad and muscular with a straight lumbar line;
- the withers are clearly defined;
- oval-shaped croup with a bushy tail set high;
- the limbs are muscular with prominent tendons, have the correct setting;
- hooves are rounded with a strong horn.
Using
Representatives of the Belgian Warmblood breed are used in equestrian sports. They are especially good in show jumping and dressage. The promotion of the breed to the sports arena was greatly facilitated by two horse breeding associations:
Both associations act in harmony and pursue the same goals. They organize various exhibitions and test horses, and send the best horses to international competitions. Each horse breeder has the right to decide for himself in which of them to register a foal that has been born.
Representatives of the Belgian breed have repeatedly become winners of the championships in jumping over obstacles. These horses are also highly valued in other European countries – England, Germany, France and Holland.
